International Trade Minister Designated

Summary#

This is an order (registration SI/2020-54) published in the Canada Gazette on July 22, 2020. It names the Minister for International Trade as the minister responsible for the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement Implementation Act (the law that implements the new North American trade agreement). The order was made by P.C. 2020-526 on June 29, 2020.

What it does#

• It formally designates the Minister for International Trade to be the minister “for the purposes of” the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement Implementation Act.
• In plain terms, it says which minister’s office will handle the responsibilities and powers that the Act assigns to “the Minister.”

Who's affected#

• Federal officials and the minister’s office most directly, because this decides which minister acts under the Act.
• Trade stakeholders (businesses, trade lawyers, and anyone working with the Canada–United States–Mexico trade rules) may use this to know which minister to contact.
• For most members of the public, there is no immediate change to daily life.

Why it matters#

• It clarifies who in government can make decisions, issue directions, or be contacted about implementing the Canada–United States–Mexico trade agreement in Canada.
• That clarity helps businesses and officials know where to direct questions or requests tied to that law.